Chris Fischer

Clams are inexpensive, plentiful, easy to cook, and delicious. And you barely need a recipe—once they open, they're done.

Reason alone to save your chard stems, though thinly sliced fennel can also be used. Whole runner beans are completely edible; swap in flat beans or Romano types, or any other snap bean you like.

Squid is tender when it's either cooked quickly over high heat, or gently for a long time. This is the quick version.

Overcooked lobsters will be tough and rubbery; if yours are less than 1 1/2 pounds each, decrease the cooking time by a few minutes.

Chicken thighs are appealingly fatty, but this can sometimes cause flareups when grilling. Bank the coals before igniting so that you have a cooler side, and move the chicken there if needed.

Indulgent, seasonal, easy, and vegetarian—what more could you ask for?

We love the combination of gently cooked and raw strawberries in this not-too-sweet version of the classic dessert.

The rich and beefy flatiron is also known as a top blade steak, but you can use any cut.